a baby bed with sides and rockers
"The mother gently rocked her newborn in the wooden cradle until he fell asleep."
where something originated or was nurtured in its early existence
"the birthplace of civilization"
A bed or cot for a baby, oscillating on rockers or swinging on pivots.
"The newborn slept soundly in the wooden cradle that gently rocked back and forth."
In plain English: A cradle is an old-fashioned bed designed to rock and hold a baby safely while they sleep.
"She carefully rocked her baby in soft, warm blankets while sitting in their wooden cradle."
Usage: As a noun, this word refers specifically to the piece of furniture used to hold an infant rather than any other type of bed. When used as a verb, it describes gently supporting something so that it remains secure and stable within its surroundings.
bring up from infancy
"The grandparents took turns cradling their grandson until he was old enough to walk on his own."
cut grain with a cradle scythe
"The farmer used an old-fashioned cradle scythe to efficiently cut and bind the ripe wheat in one smooth motion."
run with the stick
"The batter cradled the ball before sending it soaring over the pitcher's head."
To contain in or as if in a cradle.
"The soft moss cradled the fragile egg against its warm surface."
In plain English: To cradle something means to hold it gently and securely, usually by supporting its weight with your arms or hands.
"She gently cradled her sleeping baby in her arms."
The word "cradle" comes from the Middle English term for a wicker basket used by mothers to hold infants. It traveled into modern English with this original meaning of a small bed or carrier for babies.